Summer Safety For Seniors in Mobile, AL
June marks the official start of summer. It’s the perfect season to get outdoors and enjoy nature, but it’s also a time to take sun and heat concerns seriously, especially for older adults who spend time outside in Mobile, Alabama - as we all know, it gets really hot here!
Summer Concerns For Seniors
Heat-related health concerns rise during the summer months for seniors, especially those in southern states such as Alabama. According to the Natural Institutes of Health, it becomes more challenging for the body to regulate and respond to heat. Anyone at any age is at risk for heat concerns. However, older adults with heart, lung, and kidney diseases may be at a higher risk. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, taking prescription medications, and drinking alcohol.
A few common heat concerns include dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
- Dehydration is when your body loses more fluids than it’s taking in. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue,
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related concerns.
- Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes overly dehydrated, losing not only water but also electrolytes such as salt. Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, and elevated body temperature.
- Heat stroke is a serious heat-related illness in which the body can no longer control its temperature and cool down. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, dry skin, and profuse sweating. It is a medical emergency and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors in Mobile
While there are many heat-related concerns seniors and people of all ages should be aware of, you can also take many preventative measures to stay safe outside. Here are some recommended by the National Institute on Aging (NIA):
- Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays that may cause sunburns and increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Drink water. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water, especially when you spend time outdoors.
- Stay hydrated with electrolytes. Sometimes, water may not be enough for hydration, especially if you’re doing something active that causes you to sweat. You can increase your hydration by adding electrolytes to your water to help your body maintain fluids.
- Keep your home cool. Your home should be at a relaxing temperature that doesn’t cause you to sweat. You can keep your home cool with central air, air-conditioned window units, and fans.
- Stay out of direct sunlight. If you’re outdoors, limit your time in direct sunlight to stay cool. You can also use an umbrella to keep the sun off your skin.
- Limit your time outdoors. There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors in the summer, but try to limit your time outside when temperatures are hitting triple digits and the sun is at its apex. If you want a fun activity to do outside of the house, explore one of Mobile’s senior centers for activities, fitness class, socializing, and more!
Staying Safe With Visiting Angels
Need help remembering to put on sunscreen before you head out? Or maybe you need someone to help ensure you stay hydrated while enjoying time outdoors. Whatever assistance you need this summer, Visiting Angels is available to help.
Our Mobile office works with seniors throughout Mobile to provide at-home care services, helping seniors stay safe and comfortable while aging in place. We offer customizable services and can assist with nonmedical tasks like transportation, medication reminders, housekeeping, meal preparation, dressing, grooming, and showering.
Send us a message to learn more about our at-home caregiving services, and how we can help your senior loved one enjoy their summer in Mobile safely and comfortably!